Franklin Regional, Derry, Jeannette, Monessen remain perfect

While many teams have already played three games and others have two contests in the books, just four Westmoreland County football teams in the WPIAL have a perfect record. On Friday, Franklin Regional (2-0) edged Greater Latrobe 17-14, courtesy of game-winning field goal in the final minute by freshman Anthony DiFalco. Meanwhile, after requiring overtime the previous week, the Derry Area Trojans (3-0) cruised to a 27-6 triumph against South Park in a nonconference affair. In perhaps the most anticipated game of the season in Class 1A, Jeannette (3-0) bested Imani Christian Academy 28-12, as receiver Marcus Barnes exploded for eight catches, 122 yards and three touchdowns. Lastly, after winning just three games in 2017, the Monessen Greyhounds (2-0) appear to be vastly improved this year. After stunning California in Week One, Monessen decisively defeated Springdale this past week, 40-6. All of the teams should be favored in their next contest, as well, as Monessen faces Jefferson-Morgan, Jeannette plays Avella, Derry Area squares off against Mount Pleasant and Franklin Regional battles West Mifflin.

LV dominates again, also secures forfeit win for upcoming week

After coming up just shy of reaching the PIAA championship game last year, Ligonier Valley has been on an absolute tear in 2018. For the second-consecutive week, the Rams prevailed by 40 points, as they blasted United 47-7. Quarterback John Caldwell continued his torrid pace, as he threw for 249 yards and four touchdowns, while receiver Sam Sheeder hauled in five passes for 121 yards and two scores. While that triumph improved the Rams’ record to 3-0, Ligonier Valley can already pencil in its fourth win, as it will secure a forfeit victory over Saltsburg this week. The Trojans finished last week’s game with just 17 healthy players.

Belle Vernon soccer player seriously injured

The thoughts and prayers of many people in the Belle Vernon Area School District have been with senior Jake Sepesky, who sustained a serious injury last week during a soccer match. Sepesky was involved in a collision during the Leopards’ contest against Ringgold last Tuesday, which forced him to leave the game with an apparent concussion. When he was transported to a hospital, however, it was determined that Sepesky fractured part of his skull. He underwent reconstructive surgery, but was in recovery and reportedly doing well hours after the operation.

GCC girls win WCCA golf event, boys to tee off this week

Greensburg Central Catholic has been a dominant force in girls’ golf in recent seasons, and the Centurions appear to be a strong as ever again this year. Last week, GCC easily captured the team title in the Westmoreland County Coaches Association (WCCA) golf tournament at Champion Lakes Golf Course in Bolivar. The Centurions compiled a team score of 159, while Penn-Trafford was a distant second with 190. Additionally, GCC freshman Meghan Zambruno claimed first place individually, as she recorded a nine-hole round of 37. Her sisters, Abby and Ella, finished second and third, respectively. The boys’ event will take place this Thursday, at the Latrobe Elks Golf Course. Greater Latrobe’s Brady Pevarnik, the defending champion, and Franklin Regional’s Palmer Jackson, who won in 2016, are among the favorites.

Brandon Stone commits to La Salle

Although he’s no longer a part of the Scotties, Brandon Stone certainly left his mark during his time at Southmoreland. Stone, a 6-foot-11 basketball standout, relocated to North Carolina prior to last season, and reclassified to the Class of 2019. On Friday, Stone announced that he’ll be returning to Pennsylvania to play collegiately, at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Stone, who averaged 25 points and 11 rebounds per game for the Scotties in 2016-17, also had considered offers from the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University and Duquesne University.

Radio personality has Twitter exchange with Yough Superintendent

Colin Dunlap, a morning show host on 93.7 FM The Fan, recently engaged in a back-and-forth exchange with an unlikely target – Yough Superintendent Janet Sardon. Dunlap tweeted a comment regarding the Pittsburgh Pirates potentially firing their manager, saying “If the Pirates fired Clint Hurdle, they’ll find a manager. It’s Major League Baseball, not Yough High School.” That drew the ire of some people within the Cougars’ district, however, prompting Sardon to send Dunlap a letter. In addition to pointing out how the comment was perceived by some as a slight to Yough, Sardon included a Cougars baseball shirt and baseball cap with the letter. She also encouraged Dunlap to apply for any potential future coaching openings in the district, but noted that the competition will be stiff. Shortly thereafter, Dunlap tweeted a photo of him wearing the Cougars’ apparel.

Norwin alum Max McDowell provides minor-league heroics

Former Norwin baseball standout Max McDowell enjoyed perhaps the sweetest moment of his professional baseball career last week, as he delivered a walk-off double on Wednesday. McDowell, playing for the Biloxi Shuckers, propelled his team to the win against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos in the first game of the Southern Division Championship Series. The 24-year-old, who attended the University of Connecticut before turning pro, was promoted to Class AA in June.

Griffins, Bearcats suffer heartbreaking defeats

Both Seton Hill and St. Vincent’s football teams appeared to be closing in on their first victories of the season on Saturday, but the squads suffered nearly identical outcomes. Seton Hill held a 27-13 edge heading into the final frame, but East Stroudsburg outscored the Griffins 28-7 in the fourth quarter to score the victory. Likewise, the Bearcats were outscored 22-0 by Geneva in the final quarter, as St. Vincent fell 31-27.